Water policy in an AI world

After decades of slow adoption of new technologies, the water sector is embracing AI as part of its digital transformation. AI has found its way into many potentially transformative applications, from water utilities to industrial applications, watershed monitoring, and forecasting.

One area that has yet to be addressed is how AI applications could soon start to shape local, regional, and national water policies. This topic has gained my attention from conversations with colleagues at FIDO Tech and Earth Finance and also a recent article in the Economist, “Africa 2.0)”

Africa’s challenge: Bandwidth and opportunity

According to the Economist, Africa has less international bandwidth than Brazil. For at least two decades, experts have called for increased broadband coverage to accelerate employment across the continent and unlock its formidable economic power. The rise of AI applications has given these calls new urgency. The investment needed to roll out broadband at such a scale is certainly within Africa’s grasp. Look at its impressive adoption of mobile phones in the early 2000s. Sub-Saharan Africa alone now boasts about 500 million mobile phone subscriptions.

Imagine the impact on African economic growth, employment, and social well-being if investment in internet connectivity was coupled with AI applications. Africa first needs vastly expanded internet cable connectivity and data centers. Currently, the entire continent of some 1.5 billion people has less bandwidth than the Netherlands, whose population is just 18 million.

Water scarcity: The urgent need for action

Now, let us look at the potential impact of AI applications in addressing one of Africa’s most pressing issues: water scarcity and infrastructure. With sufficient bandwidth and data center infrastructure, how much could AI applications achieve to help address water issues in Africa? Building a sustainable and resilient water future for Africa will enormously impact economic development, business growth, social well-being, and ecosystem health.

The state of water in Africa is tragic. World Health Organisation figures indicate that about 1 in 3 people in Africa face water scarcity, and by 2025, 460 million are predicted to live in water-stressed areas. Regarding water infrastructure, over 411 million Africans (31%) need access to basic drinking water services, and only 15% (201 million people) have access to safely managed drinking water. In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is even worse. Less than 25% of the urban population had access to safely managed water in 2019.

Potential areas for improvement: Alleviating Africa’s water crisis using AI

So, what exactly is AI's potential to vastly improve water availability in Africa? Let’s examine what it can deliver.

Data-driven decision-making

AI can analyse vast amounts of data from various sources to provide policymakers with comprehensive insights for more informed decision-making.

• By processing historical data on water usage, weather patterns, population growth, and infrastructure conditions, AI can help predict future water demands and identify potential supply issues.
• Machine learning algorithms can detect trends and patterns humans might miss, allowing for more proactive and targeted policy interventions.

Improved resource management

AI can optimise water resource allocation and distribution.

• AI-powered systems can analyse real-time water supply, demand, and quality data to suggest optimal distribution strategies.
• AI can help utilities reduce water waste and improve overall system performance by predicting water demand and identifying inefficiencies.

Enhanced infrastructure planning

AI can support more effective infrastructure planning and maintenance.

• AI models can simulate various scenarios to help policymakers evaluate the potential impacts of different infrastructure investments.
• Predictive maintenance algorithms can identify potential issues in water infrastructure before they become critical, allowing for more cost-effective and proactive maintenance strategies.

Climate change adaptation

AI can play a crucial role in developing policies to address climate change impacts on water resources.

• AI-powered climate models can provide more accurate predictions of future water availability, helping policymakers develop long-term strategies for water security.
• AI can inform policies on flood management and drought preparedness by analysing data on flood patterns and drought conditions.

Water quality management

AI can enhance water quality monitoring and management.

• AI algorithms can analyse sensor data and water quality tests to detect contaminants and predict potential water quality issues.
• This can inform policies on water treatment standards and pollution control measures.

Equitable water access

AI can help address issues of water equity and justice.

• By analysing demographic data alongside water usage patterns, AI can identify areas of inequitable water access and inform policies to address these disparities.
• AI can also help optimise water pricing strategies to ensure affordability while promoting conservation.

Public engagement and education

AI can support more effective public communication and engagement on water issues.

• AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide the public real-time information on water quality, conservation tips, and policy updates.
• AI can analyse public feedback and social media data to gauge public sentiment on water policies, helping policymakers tailor their approaches.

Oversight and ethical considerations: Balancing innovation with responsibility

While AI offers significant potential to enhance water policy development and implementation, human oversight and ethical considerations remain crucial. Policymakers must ensure that AI systems are transparent, unbiased, and aligned with broader societal goals. Additionally, policies should be in place to address potential issues such as data privacy and cybersecurity in AI-driven water management systems.

It is time to embrace AI applications to shape public policy and support investment in internet connectivity in Africa and globally to ensure a sustainable and resilient water future.

The current state of water availability due to man-made climate change and its impacts on the hydrologic cycle is an array of warning signs all flashing red, and it should be a catalyst for greater investment and innovation in technology and partnerships.

The World Meteorological Organisation’s report on stress in global water resources records five consecutive years of widespread low river flows, which is the wake-up call we need.